standby
or stand-by
[ stand-bahy ]
/ ˈstændˌbaɪ /
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noun, plural stand·bys.
a staunch supporter or adherent; one who can be relied upon.
something upon which one can rely and therefore choose or use regularly.
something or someone held ready to serve as a substitute, especially a radio or television program used as a filler in case of cancellation of a regularly scheduled program.
a traveler who is waiting for last-minute accommodations to become available on a plane, train, or other transport as a result of a cancellation.
adjective
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Idioms about standby
on standby, in a state of readiness to act, respond, or be used immediately when needed.
Origin of standby
First recorded in 1790–1800; noun, adj. use of verb phrase stand by
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use standby in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for standby
stand by
verb
noun stand-by
- a person or thing that is ready for use or can be relied on in an emergency
- (as modifier)stand-by provisions
on stand-by in a state of readiness for action or use
adjective
(of an airline passenger, fare, or seat) not booked in advance but awaiting or subject to availability
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with standby
stand by
Be ready or available to act, as in I'm almost ready for you to carve the turkey, so please stand by. [Mid-1200s]
Wait for something to resume, as in We are all standing by until the power is restored. Also see on standby.
Be present but remain uninvolved, refrain from acting, as in I can't stand by and see these kids shoplifting. [Late 1300s]
Remain loyal, as in She's my friend and I'll stand by her, no matter what. [Early 1500s] Also see stick by.
Adhere to, abide by, as in I'm going to stand by what I said yesterday. [Late 1300s]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.